Fresno County Jail Sewing Crew Donates Bags, Hygiene Supplies to Youth Program

The Fresno County Jail's Sewing/Quilting Crew donated 13 large duffle bags, four small bags, and a collection of personal hygiene supplies to the Fresno County Social Services Independent Living Program, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office announced March 14.

The bags were filled with socks, deodorant, toothbrushes, body wash, and hair brushes, all donated by Sheriff's Office employees specifically to go inside the bags. The combined contribution brought together two separate threads of generosity: the Sewing/Quilting Crew's donation of the bags themselves and a workplace giving effort among county jail staff.

The Independent Living Program, known as ILP, serves current and former foster and probation youth between the ages of 14 and 21 living in Fresno County. Its stated mission is to provide a sense of community and belonging while helping young people develop the skills and support needed to reach self-sufficiency. ILP social workers assist clients with transitional plans, extended foster care plans under AB12, academic advising, employment referrals, transportation options, and housing resources. The program also offers classes, health and job services, and community events.

The Sewing/Quilting Crew has operated inside Fresno County Jail since August 2022, giving incarcerated women the opportunity to learn sewing and quilting while building marketable job skills. The program is funded entirely by the Incarcerated Persons Welfare Fund, which has been used to purchase sewing machines, fabric, thread, and other accessories the participants need to complete their projects.

Whether the donated bags were produced by program participants or obtained separately has not been confirmed by the Sheriff's Office, and that detail merits follow-up before publication.

Those interested in making donations to the program can call (559) 600-8399 or email jail.programs@fresnosheriff.org.